Box Score

Bridgeport, CT (Apr. 3, 2013) – This round of the “Battle for Anderson Hill Road” went to neighboring rival Manhattanvile, who topped Purchase 5-3 in a marquee matchup at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, CT.

The single, nine-inning game played out an extremely cold evening, with temperatures dropping down to the 30s by first pitch. Wind gusts and the wind chill made the temperature feel far less by the time Panther ace Matt Paz* (SR/Bridgeport, CT) toed the rubber for the 7:05 p.m. first pitch. The Bridgeport native allowed two runs in the first and a single run in the second before settling down and tossing a solid game for Purchase, but the early lead and a strong pitching performance from Valiants starter Alex Basso, coupled with seven innings of two-run relief from three relievers (Julian Ponce, Ryan Blinderman and Jason Cosentino) helped Manhattanvile seal the victory.

Purchase, which trailed 3-0 after two, battled back and showed its mettle, scoring two in the third, but like the Valiants was limited through the remainder of the game. Manhattanville scored two more insurance runs in the fourth and although the Panthers would threaten, scoring one in the seventh, and putting runners on in the late innings, some fine defensive plays, including two notable catches in left field from Manhattanville's John Bucci preserved the win.

Both teams clearly wanted the game, but in the end, score withstanding, the evening was about the opportunity to expose both programs to another fine minor league park. Purchase, which will also play at Dutchess Stadium (minor league affiliate of the Tampa Rays) before the spring schedule is out, has played in several top locations over the past few seasons, including Pomona last year (home of the Rockland Boulders).  

Tonight, the home of the Bridgeport Bluefish had its doors open for a longtime rivalry between the neighboring colleges on Anderson Hill Road. Both teams were delighted to take center stage on the baseball diamond in Bridgeport, an extra special treat for Paz and his brother Mitchell, who pitched three scoreless innings of relief after Matt departed heading into the sixth. Later, Miller Lulow* (SR/New York, NY) tossed a scoreless ninth for Purchase, but the Panthers could not muster any offense in their final turn at the plate.

Manhattanville totaled 10 hits and were paced by Elias Tsouristakis, who recorded three hits. Johnny LoVetere and Sean Ferguson, the three and four hitters for the Valiants, respectively, collected two RBI apiece.

The Panthers were lead by leadoff man Michael Sarni (SR/Shelton, CT) notched three hits and drove home one of the three Purchase runs. Shortstop Josh Spielberg (SR/Oceanside, NY) had two hits and one RBI on the evening and Michael Skoller (JR/East Meadow, NY) drove in the other run for the hosts.

Purchase will travel to Dutchess Stadium this weekend to face Bard College.

* A special thanks to Purchase College Association Marketing Coordinator Phil Sanford for helping to organize tonight's event. The former Panther baseball player joined several alums at the game, including Kyle Saud and Austin Groves, who were on hand to support the team in Bridgeport.